Sony PlayStation 5 consoles are finally easier to buy. It is almost two years since Sony’s latest PlayStation debuted in the United States. The November 2020 release was heralded as Sony’s “centerpiece product.” Furthermore, it was destined to take on Microsoft’s new generation of Xbox game machines. The Bill Gates founded company introduced their Xbox two years ago as well.
In September 2022, VGChartz reported that September was the 23rd month the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S have been available for. In the last 12 months, the PlayStation 5 has outsold the Xbox Series X|S by 1.68 million units. The PlayStation 5 is currently ahead by 6.80 million units overall.
Major developments this cycle for Microsoft include a pair of acquistions. The Xbox creator acquired ZeniMax Media, parent company of Bethesda Softworks in March 2021. That allows the studios that brought us Fallout, Doom and The Elder Scrolls to offer games on Xbox Game Pass. That is Microsoft’s subscription based service that offers an array of games.
Microsoft is also in the process of acquiring Activision Blizzard. That would bring the publisher of Overwatch, Call of Duty and StarCraft on board. While it is in the process of regulatory review, Microsoft is making the case they won’t hoard Activision franchises. For example, they are committed to making the same version of Call of Duty available on PlayStation on the same day the game launches elsewhere.
Playstation 5 Availability
In May 2022, Eurogamer reported Sony exec Jim Ryan noted that, despite a strong launch, PS5 sales were lagging behind PS4 in its equivalent second year owing to supply constraints. Furthermore, “those supply constraints are due to both the Covid pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine, but remain a top priority for Sony.”
PlayStation 5 consoles continue to be unavailable in retail stores. A check of Best Buy’s website on October 29 shows the hardware to be “Sold Out”. Target shows “limited stock” at local stores. However, it is sold out online. Therefore, those who have Target retail options can pursue that route.
Gamers can also purchase the Sony PlayStation 5 Call of Duty Modern Warfare II Bundle direct from Sony online. That bundle is priced at $559 on playstation.com today. The pre-sale of this offer sold out a week ago but units were restocked on October 28. That was the release date of Call of Duty Modern Warfare II.
In addition, PS5 seekers should check playstation.com regularly for restocks of the base console. Furthermore, one can sign up with Sony to be alerted for a limited sale. You’ll receive an email with a time and date for the online sale.
